What does a Water Damage Specialist do?

A water damage specialist focuses on both extracting water and making any necessary repairs when there is damage due to flooding. Often, the first step that this specialist does is determine how the flooding occurred, and what type of water it is. Water extraction is next, followed by using various techniques to repair water damage when needed. A water damage specialist is typically needed whether the flooding is due to a overflowing toilet, a hurricane, or some other problem that may cause water damage.

The first step that a water damage specialist usually takes is to assess the situation. This usually includes using infrared technology to determine where the water came from, unless, of course, the answer is obvious, such as a recent storm or an overflowing toilet. Once the specialist has figured out the source of the water, he can usually determine whether it is clean or dirty, and whether it is hazardous to the health of the homeowner. Once the source of the water is identified, a plan can be made for getting rid of it.

Water extraction is usually the next step in an inspection. Some homeowners may assume that they can perform this step on their own using fans, towels, or vacuums, but sometimes even floors that feel dry to the touch still retain moisture underneath. Since this can lead to mildew and mold, a water damage specialist is typically needed to bring in heavy-duty tools to eliminate the water. Many use a moisture meter to find moisture at and below the surface. They may then turn to using an industrial strength fan to move the air toward a dehumidifier, which then dumps the water into a drain or sink. These are just a few of the tools that may be brought to a water damage inspection by a specialist.

If there is damage to the home due to the water, a water damage specialist can often repair it. The most common type of damage is mold, which needs to be removed quickly to avoid health problems. A professional can find out whether mold is present, and then either call in a mold removal specialist, or perform the mold removal job himself. Often, a sample of the mold will be sent to a laboratory to determine whether it is dangerous black mold or a less hazardous kind. In many cases, specialists can also call in a claim to the homeowner's insurance company in order to make sure the water damage restoration process is paid for by insurance rather than the homeowner.